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Hazing Incidents | Personal Injury Attorney Madison WI

When College Fun Goes Too Far: Sue For Hazing With Help From A Personal Injury Attorney In Madison WI

Hazing is a ritual that is engrained in many fraternity and sorority cultures. But times change and what used to be considered “all in good fun” is now considered bullying, dangerous…and prosecutable. Fraternities and sororities that engage in dangerous hazing practices are finding themselves embroiled in lawsuits from injured recruits and their families. 

Read the following information from Steve Eisenberg, a personal injury attorney in Madison WI to determine if you should consult a lawyer about your situation.

When Does Hazing Go Too Far?

Hazing is associated with pledging and often involves recruits being forced to perform strenuous and/or humiliating tasks in order to “prove their worth” and be accepted into a sorority or fraternity. Tasks may include the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol, forced activities, humiliation, and even physical abuse.

While most students recover from their hazing, some don’t. Alcohol poisoning, fractures, broken bones, bruises, internal injuries, and even death occurs when hazing goes too far. Without serious injuries or obvious repercussions, it’s difficult to say when hazing has gone too far. Many students don’t say anything out of fear or embarrassment, making it difficult for schools to crack down on hazing practices.

When Can You Sue For Hazing?

In some regards, hazing is much like a personal injury case. There are several ways a claim can be brought forward – so long as an injury has occurred. Lawsuits can be brought against the organization doing the hazing, such as the sorority or fraternity, the college or university or individuals involved in the hazing.

Lawsuits Can Be Brought Under:

  • Intentional Torts. Activities such as battery, assault, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress are considered intentional torts. Victims may sue for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and, in some cases, punitive damages.
  • Negligence. Claims of negligence are often targeted at schools or the overarching organization. Negligence occurs when someone fails to do something. In this case, fails to protect a person from harm.

Injured By Hazing? Talk To A Personal Injury Attorney At Madison, WI Eisenberg Law Offices

If you or a loved one has been injured by hazing, you should speak to an Eisenberg Law Offices personal injury attorney in Madison, WI right away. It’s possible that you may be able to sue and recover damages to help pay for medical expenses or the pain and suffering you’ve endured at the hands of others. Contact Eisenberg Law Offices at 608-256-8356 or request a consultation online to learn more about hazing lawsuits and discuss your situation.